
10 Missouri small businesses prepare to “Elevate” beyond the second stage
Ten second-stage Missouri small businesses are learning from experts and each other how to move to the next level. Selected from across the state and representing the advertising, construction, health care, manufacturing, and retail trade industries, the following businesses are participating in the 2022 Elevate program supported and led by the Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).

4-H youths test skills at 2022 State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
FULTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, April 9, drew 70 4-H members to compete at William Woods University in Fulton. The 4-H delegation was greeted by newly appointed William Woods University President Jeremy Moreland. After the contest, youths and coaches toured the facilities and learned more about the university’s equine program from faculty and students.

After the bloom fades, Easter lily can see new life
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Easter lily used for spring decorations can provide beauty and fragrance for another season.After blooming ends, plant Easter lilies outside as soon as the ground can be worked, says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Jennifer Schutter. The following year, they will bloom in June and have a sweet fragrance.

A key Missouri asset: MU Extension generated $1.2 billion economic impact in FY21
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension generated an estimated $1.2 billion economic impact throughout Missouri in fiscal year 2021, according to a recent impact analysis. That amount contributed to the University of Missouri System’s overall $6.5 billion economic impact statewide.

Tigers United: Mascots set aside rivalries to help save relatives in the wild
Tiger mascots unite across universities to raise awareness and help save wild tigers from extinction.

Missouri SBDC receives grant to help underserved communities succeed with the Small Business Innovation Research Program
MISSOURI – The Missouri SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) was awarded $125,000 for specialized training, business counseling, and technical assistance for research and development (R&D)-focused small businesses under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.

Branson Airport, Hollister, MO
Branson Airport partnered with local experts to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, benefiting from various support programs to enhance travel recovery.

Good News Brewing, Defiance, MO
Good News Brewing in Defiance, MO, has thrived during the pandemic, seizing growth opportunities with the help of local business support

The Cherry Company, Kansas City, MO
Thalia Cherry's entrepreneurial journey with The Cherry Company showcases growth through strategic coaching, highlighting her success in Kansas City.

Lone Star Physiques, Kirkville, MO
Lone Star Physiques in Kirksville, MO, is a personal fitness business highlighting client success stories and rural entrepreneurship.

The Export Plan: Pricing Strategy
Now that you’ve identified a country for export and have selected a path to your customers, it’s a good time to start to think about pricing. You’ll need to make the important decision on what you will charge for your product. In this issue, we’ll discuss the additional costs you can expect to incur when exporting to a foreign county and will review how those should be factored into the sales price of your product.

Export Planning Streamlined
The Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) recently brought a new international export business planning platform to small businesses across the state.

Suicide prevention in the workplace
In the United States alone, suicide accounts for nearly 40,000 lost lives per year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. That's an average of one suicide every 13 minutes. The truth is that anyone can be at risk. Sometimes you NEED help. Sometimes you ARE the help.

The Export Plan: Market Entry Strategy
In the previous article, we looked at tools that were available online from US Census sources and through Missouri SBDC counselors to identify potential markets at the country level. This resulted in a prioritized list of countries to consider for export based on factors such as U.S.

Taking Missouri small businesses to the next level: CARES Act enables 12 to ‘Elevate’
Twelve Missouri small businesses accepted the challenge to take their businesses to the next level at the beginning of 2021.

The Export Plan: Market Research
Develop an export strategy by identifying markets, understanding entry strategies, setting prices, and assessing production capacity for global success.

MU report looks at population trends in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s population grew by about 11,000 people from 2019 to 2020. This 0.2% increase is only half the national rate of 0.4%, though it is typical of the modest growth experienced by many other Midwestern states.

Preparing Undergraduates for Agriculture and Food Research Careers: An Internship Paradigm
Abstract: The University of Missouri Integrated STEM Internship Program (MU-ISIP) is a 9-week internship experience that helps prepare undergraduates for the workforce or graduate school in four Agriculture, Food and Research Initiative (AFRI) areas:

Memorial Day offers time for delayed healing
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For five generations, the James O’Donnell Funeral Home has held the hands and hearts of grieving northeastern Missouri families as they said their goodbyes.Fifth-generation owner Jimmy O’Donnell says no time in history challenged him and other rural funeral directors more than the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exporting: The First Step
Earlier in this series we looked at some of the benefits and basics of exporting. In this article, we will review an important first step, how to determine if there are no export control restrictions on your product or service. Unless there is a potential military or dual military-civilian use, it is likely there will not be export restrictions on your product or service.

Helping growers make lavender thrive in muggy Missouri
University of Missouri Extension is about to take some of the guesswork out of growing lavender in Missouri. The first of three lavender demonstration plots in the state was planted May 14 at the MU Extension center in Ste. Genevieve.

Some Basics of Exporting
In the first article, we shared some basic information on some of the “whys” of exporting, including the expected growth in the international market for US businesses and available resources in this area for the small business owner to succeed. In this article, we will start to explore some of the factors to take into account as you reach a decision regarding if exporting is the right next step for your business.

Food safety after flooding
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Floods can devastate property and have lasting effects on a community. In the aftermath, people might not think about the consequences flooding can have on food. Floodwater often contains sewage or animal waste that could contaminate foods with harmful organisms, said Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State Research and Extension.

Procurement Conference 2021
Do you do business with the local, state, or federal government? Or would you like to add the government as a customer? Join us for a one-day conference to network with government agencies and small business support programs to reach your business goals.